OPINION
Celtic midfielder Callum McGregor is absolutely spot on when he calls Odsonne Edouard a “bargain” signing.
Following his brace that led Celtic past Hearts in the Scottish Cup final on Saturday, McGregor was quick to lavish praise on his teammate’s impact at Parkhead.
“Strikers these days go for £70m, £80m and £90m. To get someone like that to consistently score goals in big games and decide trophies means it’s a £9m bargain in terms of his return,” the 25-year-old told the Scottish Sun.
“People might have been surprised at the price tag but he’s proved his worth. He had some big goals last year then Moussa Dembele left and he picked up the mantle.
“It’s testament to his character, work-rate and fitness to play so many games and affect so many games. We’re glad to have him.”
McGregor is exactly right. A lot of fans would have been surprised to see Edouard arrive for a club-record fee of £9million last summer, which, as the phrase ‘club-record’ suggests, is a huge amount of money for Celtic to pay for someone.
However, when Moussa Dembele left for Lyon on deadline day, the Hoops needed someone to step up. And Edouard has been the man to do it, time and again.
The 21-year-old striker scored 21 goals and set up six others in all competitions last season, which, first off, shows how well he has settled in what is only his debut season at Parkhead.
But if you look into the statistics further, they further reveal just how good Edouard has been. The Frenchman netted 14 times in 28 Premiership appearances, which works out at a goal every two games.
That is an incredible impact from such a young player with such big pressure on his shoulders.
But there is no greater evidence of his impact than his performance against Hearts on Saturday, for the history books will tell you that he was the man to deliver the final – and most crucial piece – in the puzzle that is Celtic’s treble treble.
If that does not prove how good Edouard has been and how much of a good investment he has been, then nothing ever will.
Overall, Edouard has been a fantastic signing for Celtic and at only 19, there is a lot more to come from him in the seasons to come.